Archive:
A Lack of Biodiversity, Ecology, and Arboricultural Information
Planning policy requires all new development to consider the ecology, biodiversity and arboriculture on, and adjacent to, the application site.
On this application, planning officers may consider (amongst other matters) whether:
The applicant has properly assessed the current (baseline) biodiversity condition of the site;
The application demonstrates how it will achieve a 10% (minimum) net gain in biodiversity, and how this will be protected for at least 30 years;
The applicant has properly assessed and identified the presence of protected species such as bats, reptiles or badgers;
The applicant has properly assessed the quality, health, and value of any tree or hedgerow in, or adjacent to, the site; and
The applicant has properly assessed the impact of development proposals on any all of the above.
The following points represent a high-level assessment of the planning application documents. If you want to know more about this application, a detailed assessment on all of these points can be found on the ‘Links’ tab.
The scheme fails to meet mandatory biodiversity improvements.
The biodiversity net gain (BNG) assessment was conducted in January – an inappropriate time of year to establish an accurate baseline. The assessment shows the site can achieve only 0.98% BNG, significantly short of the mandatory 10% requirement under the Environment Act 2021. Despite identifying this critical shortfall, the application fails to acknowledge measures required to meet the target or provide evidence of secured off-site credits.
The baseline assessment was conducted while a horse was using the paddock for grazing (creating artificially low habitat value through close-grazing). The horse has since left, and wildflower planting along the southern boundary (not identified in the assessment) is now emerging. A further survey should be required to establish a more accurate baseline.
The scheme fails to assess ecology.
No ecological assessment has been provided despite the site being an active bat corridor. The site contains a vibrant mix of bird species including owl, woodpecker, and buzzards. Badger activity has also been observed close to the site. Given the presence of a mature tree with potential roosting value, an ecological assessment by a qualified professional should be required before determination.
The scheme fails to assess arboriculture
The applicant acknowledges a mature holm oak, semi-mature silver birch, and other trees on site, yet no arboricultural assessment has been provided despite proposals including a vehicular "roundabout" around the mature tree. This should be required before determination.
